With heavy hearts, we announce that Johnny passed away peacefully while held in the arms of his best friend and wife, Jane Karhi, on Monday March 14, 2022 at the young age of 60. Johnny left this earth on his own terms after a courageous three year and nine-month battle with glioblastoma multiforme and he “never gave up”.
He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Jane and their Labrador Sadie, his family and many friends. Tears were shed by his mother and siblings, and he will be greatly missed by his best friend, Danny Entwistle, who helped Johnny through his journey with cancer having never missed a day to reach out by phone or send a text of encouragement.
He is the son of Mary and the late Richard Valenti, brother of Rick (Mary) and Karen, and son-in-law of Tuula Karhi and the late Ed Karhi Sr. Predeceased by his grandparents Romeo Valenti (Betty) and Karol Krivan (Mary). Brother-in-law of Ed (MaryKaye), Jim, John (Amy), and Kevin (Jennifer). He will be missed by his nephews Michael (Alicia), Mark (Jessica) Valenti and Mitchell Bradley; Kalevi, Jussi, Grayson and Keegan Karhi and his nieces Katja, Kaija, Ella, Haylee, Lissi and Adilynn Karhi. Johnny was the nephew of the late Joyce Carcone, Janet Certo, George Valenti (Carol), Anne Scarfone (Sparky), Carl Krivan (Mary) and the late Fran Mislan (late John). His many cousins and their families were a great part of his life in his early years as a young boy on Pine Island and later in life sharing family celebrations. He fondly remembered his grampa picking blueberries every morning for breakfast and the Sunday afternoon hotdog bbqs.
Johnny was born with a fishing rod in his hand, a keen sense of boating navigation to find those fish or shoot a duck or two, whether it be in the Sault area or around London Ontario where many friends still reside. His mom constantly worried where he was especially after dark in his younger days, but he always found his way home. When hunting season came, the tree stand was his refuge and no one bothered him during sweet November. He had a keen shot, as he was well-known at the Algoma Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed fish and moose hunting trips, rolling out an amazing shore lunch and cooking a moose steak to perfection. He carved out a career in the HVAC industry, the last several years working locally at S&T Group. Johnny will be remembered for his energy, his high expectations of himself and everyone around him.
He loved to travel with Jane to far off places or off into the bush, and if he could fish, that was a bonus. Johnny was a “force” and together with Jane, they built their own paradise on Pine Island and shared it openly with family and friends thru the years.
When you see a dragonfly, think of Johnny, as he soars gently across the breeze and lands softly on your fishing rod and you will hear his words…you have the wrong bait 😉.
In keeping with Johnny’s wishes, donations (payable by cheque or online) would be most welcome to Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH) as Johnny said that if you had an extra $20 this was the place to give it. With Johnny’s battle with cancer, donations supporting the Sault Area Hospital Foundation Cancer Care Fund or supporting the research at The Singh Lab/Glioblastoma Research at McMaster University would be appreciated.
Family and friends are invited to visit at the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. -705-759-2522) on Friday, March 18, 2022 between 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Funeral service to take place in the Chapel at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 10:00 am with Rev. Alex Saurianthadathil officiating. A reception to follow at the Moose Lodge (543 Trunk Rd.) at 11:30 am. Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com obituaries to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.